Navigation in the new E90 3-series has PERSPECTIVE mode
 

I know that some of the Japanese cars already have this on their NAV, but my wife & I were test driving a new E90 330i and noticed that you can set the NAV map with 2D (with either north direction or travel direction) or 3D perspective mode.

Also, you can control what is shown on the split screen (more like a 70/30 split from left to right)....map, OBC, radio, etc. on the left side or right side or whatever combo you like....heck, I even had two map split side by side (don't know why one would do it....I couldn't choose 2D on one side and perspective on the other side....)

iDrive on the E90 was a no brainer....If you can use Windows or Mac or an iPod, then the iDrive is no biggy....Though most of the commonly use buttons are back on the dash (climate control, traction control button, basic radio control function).

I wonder if the new 5-series or current 7-series have that on their NAV (perspective mode).

One thing I noticed, the iDrive screen is bigger than our older NAV screen (even bigger than the 16:9 NAV Screen).

I think they call it birdeye view :)

Yes, in the Japanese car it's called "Bird's Eye View", but in the GERMAN BMW iDrive NAVIGATION system, it is called "PERSPECTIVE" view. :D

Wow I am jealouse already! http://www.bmwusa.com/NR/rdonlyres/A.../0/0642_06.jpg. The screen is not only bigger but it is also protected from glare. I know alot of people complained about iDrive but I would definitely prefer that over the current series of buttons and knobs we have around our nav.